Finding Haka

Client: Sky Immersive

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The concept for ‘Finding Haka’ was developed for Sky VR to create an immersive 360° virtual reality documentary ahead of the Lions’ first Test in New Zealand and Sky’s biggest ever Summer of Sport. We wanted to take the viewer on a cinematic journey to explore the intimate journey of a young Maori man and the ancient cultural traditions that drive the roots of rugby in New Zealand, discovering the passion, dedication and understanding it takes to perform the famous ritual.

Contributors Included

  • Gina Rodriguez of TV’s ‘Jane the Virgin’ showing how role models gave her the courage to only accept acting roles that empower women.
  • Inna Braverman, the pioneering clean energy entrepreneur, who pushed to develop a patented technology for the generation of clean energy.
  • Tiera Fletcher, a 22 year old aeronautical engineer working for NASA, who’s paving the way for women in space exploration and science.
  • Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American Muslim to win a medal at the Olympics wearing a Hijab. Who now runs a fashion label and Muslim Barbie Doll.

Deliverables

VR 360 cinematic film

Project Brief

VR original drama

Finding Haka

Client: Sky Immersive

Image

The concept for ‘Finding Haka’ was developed for Sky VR to create an immersive 360° virtual reality documentary ahead of the Lions’ first Test in New Zealand and Sky’s biggest ever Summer of Sport. We wanted to take the viewer on a cinematic journey to explore the intimate journey of a young Maori man and the ancient cultural traditions that drive the roots of rugby in New Zealand, discovering the passion, dedication and understanding it takes to perform the famous ritual.

Contributors Included

  • Gina Rodriguez of TV’s ‘Jane the Virgin’ showing how role models gave her the courage to only accept acting roles that empower women.
  • Inna Braverman, the pioneering clean energy entrepreneur, who pushed to develop a patented technology for the generation of clean energy.
  • Tiera Fletcher, a 22 year old aeronautical engineer working for NASA, who’s paving the way for women in space exploration and science.
  • Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American Muslim to win a medal at the Olympics wearing a Hijab. Who now runs a fashion label and Muslim Barbie Doll.

Deliverables

VR 360 cinematic film

Project Brief

VR original drama

Project Delivery

Augmented reality is changing the way users make purchasing decisions in the commercial market. Surround vision were tasked with building an AR tool which both excites and informs the consumer. The main focus was to make something which can be accessed without either the need to download a stand-alone app or integrate it into Sky's general use app thus keeping the barrier to entry as low as possible. Our solution was to use browser based 8th Wall which although, in its relative infancy in terms of power, can be accessed on any device with a camera in the click of a link.

Results 

'Finding Haka', widely accessible via the web based 8th wall technology is a tool which allows the user to view the product in their very own home; choosing from various sizes, colors and to even be able to position the product in place of their existing set!

The result is a genuinely useful tool which encourages sharing through screenshots and aids the customer on completing their buy journey.

Testamonials

Sky, one of Europe’s biggest broadcasters with over 22 million customers across five European countries, released the virtual reality sports film, “Finding Haka,” through its dedicated Sky VR app.

“The development of VR technology is moving at an incredible pace and excitement is building about its potential. Our expertise across a wide range of video content, from original drama to live sport, gives us a unique ability to bring VR to life for customers. This is just the start and we’re looking forward to creating more amazing VR content and exploring the possibilities with our tech and content partners.”
- Gary Davey, Managing Director, Content at Sky

Finding Haka VR, man having face painted

“I wanted to create a powerful and important film that highlights the significance of preserving cultural identity and heritage. The power, the rawness and the eruption of emotion of the Haka is overwhelming; it begged to be explored in VR.”

- James Hedley, Surround Vision Director of “Finding Haka”